EarPods

Why you might be interested in Apple’s new USB-C EarPods

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Apple USB-C EarPods
You don't have to buy AirPods to get decent earbuds from Apple for your Mac or iPad.
Photo: Apple

Apple’s transition away from the old Lightning connector includes a USB-C version of EarPods, and these can now be purchased online for under $20.

The wired earbuds that come with iPhone are surprisingly good — audio quality is closer to AirPods than you might realize. And there are other advantages for Mac and iPad users, too.

Today in Apple history: iPhone 5 brings big changes, new EarPods

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The iPhone 5 packed remarkable upgrades into an incredibly thin design.
The iPhone 5 proves thin is in at Apple.
Photo: Soldier Knows Best/YouTube

September 12: Today in Apple history: iPhone 5 brings big changes, new EarPods September 12, 2012: Apple introduces the iPhone 5, with a super-slim form factor that makes it the thinnest smartphone in the world.

The new iPhone also brings impressive upgrades such as a greatly improved display and the Lightning port. Despite some controversy, it proves a massive hit.

French iPhone 12 buyers get free EarPods — in a ridiculously huge box

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Free iPhone headphones are still a thing in France.
In France, the Apple Store keeps giving free headphones with every new iPhone sold this autumn.
Screenshot: Apple

The Apple Store stopped bundling free headphones with all new iPhones sold this autumn. But that’s not true in France. In that one country, buyers still get a pair of EarPods with their purchase… in a relatively enormous box.

But French consumers don’t get a wall charger in the box. That’s true for every iPhone buyer.

Here’s how the new, smaller iPhone box measures up to its predecessor

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Does anyone really need another iPhone charger?
Here's what removing the iPhone charger means for the box size.
Photo: Ed Hardy/Cult of Mac

This year’s iPhone 12 and 12 Pro will be the first new iPhones not to come with EarPods or a charger in the box.

During Apple’s October keynote it said that removing these components lets it reduce carbon emissions from shipping by packing way more boxes onto shipping pallets. Now, thanks to a comparison posted by Apple analyst Neil Cybart, we have an idea what that means in terms of the overall box footprint.

iOS 14.2 adds more evidence iPhone 12 won’t come with EarPods

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Apple's new EarPods brought big improvements over previous versions.
This could be the end of the road for EarPods coming packaged with the iPhone.
Photo: Juanibb/Wikipedia CC

A “minor code tweak” discovered in iOS 14.2 appears to confirm previous reports that Apple will not package EarPods with the iPhone 12.

The rumor was originally suggested by Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo back in May. This change in language, hidden in iOS 14.2, seems to lend credence to that idea.

iPhone 12 will debut in September, but don’t expect EarPods in the box

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iphone-12-pro
Excited about the iPhone 12?
Photo: The Hacker 34

According to Wedbush analyst Dan Ives, Apple has overcome whatever delays it faced in manufacturing the iPhone 12 and, as of now, the devices should debut in September as planned. Shipping would take place early the next month.

While that’s marginally later than last year’s launch date, it suggests that Apple has managed to claw back its schedule after coronavirus rocked the supply chain earlier this year.

Week’s best Apple deals: Get an Apple Watch for only $180!

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The Apple Watch Series 1 is on sale now at the best price we've seen.
The Apple Watch Series 1 is on sale now at the best price we've seen.
Photo: Apple

Have some New Year’s resolutions? See if these ring a bell. You can get fit with a new Apple Watch, cut the cable cord and save money with an Apple TV, and more!

And you can do those things on the cheap, with the Apple Watch sale and o†her Apple deals you’ll find in this week’s roundup.

Jony Ive talks earbuds inspired by stormtroopers, Apple Park

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AirPods EarPods
Ive had the dark side in mind while designing Apple earbuds.
Photo: Ste Smith/Cult of Mac

Jony Ive has revealed that the company’s iconic white earbuds were inspired by Star Wars stormtroopers.

In a new interview, in which he also talks at length about Apple Park, the Apple design chief describes how he had the dark side in mind while creating them for the iPod.

iPhone 8 could be last to include headphone jack adapter

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AirPods
Apple should include free AirPods instead.
Photo: Ste Smith

Apple’s mission to kill the use of headphone jacks on the iPhone may be completed by 2018, according to a new report from Barclays.

In a note to investors today, the research bank says the three new iPhone models Apple introduces this year will all come with a Lightning to 3.5mm headphone jack adapter, but this could be the last time buyers get a free dongle.

With AirPods, Apple gets back to ‘it just works’ [Review]

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lost AirPods
Apple's wireless earphones are easily one of the company's best products of 2016.
Photo: Ste Smith/Cult of Mac

Apple’s EarPods have always been a go-to favorite for me. They’re included with every iPhone, always sound good enough for what I need, and I’ve always found them comfortable. Even going back to the good old iPod days, I’ve always kept a pair close to hand.

But now Apple’s moving on into the “wireless future” with its new AirPods. These completely wireless earphones let you listen to music and podcasts, make phone calls and talk to Siri. But just how do they measure up?

Apple’s long-awaited AirPods will ship in ‘next few weeks’

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After a disappointing delay, Tim Cook says AirPods will land soon.
Photo: Apple

The wait for Apple’s new wireless AirPods is nearly over.

Apple revealed the earbuds alongside the iPhone 7, promising an October delivery date, but anxious customers have not been able to buy a set. But Apple CEO Tim Cook supposedly says they’re being finalized right now.

AirPods won’t be ready for October launch

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AirPods-case
You'll have to wait a little longer to get AirPods.
Photo: Apple

Apple’s wireless future has been delayed.

The iPhone-maker revealed today that it is still not ready to start shipping AirPods, even though customers were told they would launch by the end of October.

Apple fixes iPhone audio issues with iOS update

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Hold off on iOS 10 for now.
iOS 10.0.2 is here to fix your audio issues.
Photo: Ste Smith/Cult of Mac

iPhone 7 users can finally enjoy uninterrupted audio through the Lightning port, now that Apple has released an iOS 10 update full of bug fixes.

iOS 10.0.2 was made available to all iPhone and iPad owners today, fixing issues with audio, photos and app extensions.

Apple works to fix iPhone 7 Lightning EarPods glitch

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iPhone 7 earbuds
There's a problem with Apple's new EarPods.
Photo: Apple

Considering that some people were predicting the iPhone 7 to be a commercial and critical disappointment, the arrival of Apple’s latest iPhone refresh has gone incredibly well.

There have been challenges, however. First there was Hissgate, in which some iPhone 7 Plus owners reported that their handsets emit strange noises when under heavy load. Now there’s a glitch with Apple’s new Lightning EarPods.

New AirPods show Apple’s embrace of fantastic ‘wireless future’

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airpods
"Siri, where did I leave my AirPods?"
Photo: Apple

Ding-dong! The 3.5mm headphone jack is dead — but, boy, did we get some sweet new AirPods in return.

Unveiling new wireless AirPods at today’s Apple keynote, Phil Schiller described a “magical” new audio experience, and proclaimed that Apple is working toward a, “vision of how audio can be.”

And listening to him talk, it’s hard not to think he’s got a point!

Apple AirPods might make Beats headphones look like a bargain

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EarPods aren't going wireless in 2016.
At least you won't have to deal with this anymore.
Photo: Buster Hein/Cult of Mac

The wireless future won’t be cheap if you want to listen to music on Apple’s upcoming Bluetooth earbuds.

Apple’s long-rumored AirPods could be revealed at tomorrow’s keynote for the iPhone 7 and according to one of the best Apple analysts in the game, they’re going to cost more than a set of Beats headphones.

Griffin’s new adapter fixes iPhone 7’s most hated feature

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Griffin iTrip Clip adapter
Get ready to see more adapters like this.
Photo: Griffin

Apple is set to kill the century old headphone jack when it unveils the iPhone 7 during an event on September 7th, which is bad news for your favorite pair of wired headphones, but great news for accessory makers like Griffin.

The popular iPhone accessory maker is already prepared to cure your headphone jack woes this fall with the introduction of its newest adapter that gives your old headphones new Bluetooth 4.1 powers.

Lightning EarPods spotted blasting tunes in real life

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earpod
And no 3.5mm headphone jack in sight...
Photo: Weibo

A video has surfaced online, alleging to show Apple’s next-gen Lightning EarPods on an iPhone running iOS 9.

While we’ve heard rumors that the iPhone 7 may ditch the headphone jack, and have even seen blurry (and not-so-blurry) photos appearing to confirm the same thing, this is the first time a video has appeared to show off Apple’s forthcoming EarPods in all their 3.5mm jack-free glory. Check it out below.